MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJUNE, N.C. -- With tax season just around the corner, people are rushing to get their W-2’s and paperwork in order in the hopes of beating the rush to the many tax preparation centers around town. Once they arrive, many discover that prices to get simple taxes done can cost from $50 to $200. However, for service members, dependents and retirees, the base tax center offers the same services for free.
The base tax center is even going as far as opening its doors on weekends and extending their workdays. Additionally the center has its very own full time Internal Revenue Service-certified employee who has the ability to contact the IRD directly to resolve any issues.
“The supervisors went through H&R basic tax course, to grasp the knowledge of what is being serviced out in town so that we can provide the same thing here for free,” said Staff Sgt. Solomon Williams, the platoon sergeant for the tax center, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. “Additionally all of our Marines are (volunteer income tax assistant) certified through the Internal Revenue Service.”
The Marines who work at the tax center can handle just about anything, added Williams. They cover a broad spectrum of the tax world and can handle stocks, bonds and can do amendments to previous year’s taxes.
For service members who plan on getting their taxes done at the base tax center they are required to bring their military identification card, their 2010 W-2 form, which is now available on mypay.dfas.mil, and if stocks or bonds are owned they need to bring their 1099-DIV or 1099-INT paperwork.
“If the military spouse is deployed, their husband or wife can bring their own social security card, and if they have children theirs as well and a power of attorney,” said Williams. “If they own a house or real estate they should bring their mortgage statement. Retirees are also required to bring in their 1099-R papers.”
Units can also call in and schedule appointments to have everyone in their unit get their taxes done together. Appointments are also recommended for anyone who has stocks, has sold a house or has done a cancellation of debt.
“For a Marine who doesn’t have complicated taxes it should only take around 20 minutes,” said Williams. “However if someone has itemized deductions they will have to wait until Feb. 15, due to the IRS having to prepare for the law that the president signed this December.”
For now, service members can get a head start for this year’s tax season, and save money by letting the base tax center do it all for free.
The center is located at Building 50 off of Lucy Brewer Ave., and can appointments be scheduled at 451-3030.